Jerry L. Spies, 82, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on February 21, 2026, leaving behind a life richly lived and a family who loved him dearly.
Jerry was born on November 16, 1943, in Red Oak, Iowa, and grew up in Shenandoah, Iowa, where he graduated from Shenandoah High School. He went on to attend Central Missouri State University and earned his degree from Tarkio College. A man of many talents and many chapters, Jerry's career path was as varied as his passions. He began his professional life as an English teacher before joining his father in the family electrical business. He later put his skills to work as an electrician for Earl May Seed Company, and went on to become a successful salesman and eventually part owner of Deal Engineering Company.
In his younger years, Jerry was a proud and active member of the Elks and served his community as a volunteer firefighter.
Beyond his professional life, Jerry was a man who pursued his interests with genuine enthusiasm and depth. He had exceptional artistic ability, particularly in painting. He loved to fish, play baseball, and spent many happy hours watching racing and tracking all things weather-related. His passion for photography spanned decades and never stopped evolving — from maintaining a darkroom in every home he ever lived in, to eventually embracing digital photography, and then circling back to developing his own film by hand right up until the very end. It was a hobby that was always growing, just as he was.
But perhaps what defined Jerry most was his enormous heart for animals. He had a lifelong love for all creatures, and the many family dogs and cats he welcomed over the years were never merely pets — they were family, treated with every bit of the love and care he gave his children. And close behind that love was his unwavering devotion to his family.
Jerry is survived by his amazing wife of 63 years, Barbara Spies, whose dedication and love were nothing short of extraordinary. He is also survived by his daughter Lisa Wilson and her husband Ron; his son Joel Spies and his wife Julie; his daughter Susie Hall and her husband Cliff; grandchildren Jourdan Bentley, Mackenzie Bentley and wife Jill, Trent Spies and wife Gabi, Nichela Urbanciz and husband Danny, Elizabeth Shipley, Jacob Spies, Jessica Spies, Claire Hall, and Drake Hall; and great-granddaughter Lydia Urbanciz.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Todd Spies, and his parents, Maurice and Mildred Spies.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Fred Arbanas Golf Course 11100 View High Dr, Kansas City, MO 64134
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City or the Mayo Clinic
He saw beauty in the world — in a good cast, a perfect exposure, a blank canvas, and the eyes of every animal he ever loved. He will be deeply missed.
